Back to list

Brown University

Providence, RI

Main Essay

Choose 1 of 7 prompts. 650-word limit.

Prompt 1650 words

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Prompt 2650 words

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Prompt 3650 words

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea important to you or others. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Prompt 4650 words

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Prompt 5650 words

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Prompt 6650 words

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Prompt 7650 words

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Supplement Essays

Answer all of the following prompts.

Prompt 1250 words

Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown.

Prompt 2250 words

Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community.

Prompt 3250 words

Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy.

Prompt 43 words

What three words best describe you?

Prompt 5100 words

If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be?

Prompt 650 words

In one sentence, Why Brown?

PLME Applicants

Required for Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) applicants. Choose 1 of the following 2 prompts.

Prompt 1250 words

How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact?

Prompt 2250 words

How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine?

RISD Dual Degree Applicants

Required for Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program applicants. Answer the following prompt.

Prompt 1650 words

The Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry. Considering your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD, describe how and why the specific blend of RISD's experimental, immersive art and design program and Brown's wide-ranging courses and curricula could constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. Reflect on how you might integrate or synthesize content, approaches, and methods from these two distinct learning experiences. Additionally, how might you contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work?

PLME Applicants

Required for Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) applicants. Answer the following prompt.

Prompt 1500 words

Committing to a future career as a physician while in high school requires careful consideration and self-reflection. Explain your personal motivation to pursue a career in medicine, and why the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will best meet your professional and personal goals.

See Rankings & Stats

View Brown University's US News ranking, acceptance rate, SAT range, and tuition.

View ranking

See Example Essays

Read real essays from students accepted to Brown University.

View example essays

Need help with your essays?

Consulting Agent evaluates your admissions readiness using real Ivy League criteria — for free.

Get Free Diagnosis